Old Cutler Road improvement project remains on schedule

Although recent rainy weather and Tropical Storm Isaac have had an impact on the work, the Old Cutler Road improvement project in Cutler Bay is still on schedule.

Interim town manager Rafael Casals, who also is the former Public Works director, is happy with the progress so far and wants to keep everyone “in the loop” regarding the construction.

“We’re still on schedule with the project, and I am so proud of the efforts of our town staff that is getting the word out about road closures in the commercial district,” Casals said in an Aug. 24 interview.

“I realize that anytime you have a large scale road improvement project like this it will create some inconvenience for area businesses, but we are doing everything we can to keep everyone informed — whether it’s good news or bad news — with our briefings and visits. And we’re making sure that we always leave one driveway open if there’s two, or some form of access.”

Work is proceeding section by section and the overall project is expected to be completed in August 2013. Crews currently are working to finish construction along Old Cutler in the area between SW 92nd and SW 87th avenues, the northbound lane by the end of September.

The next work after that will involve mobilization and construction in the same area but in the southbound lane, proceeding in October through January. Staff visits in the affected parts of the commercial district aren’t the only source of information.

“Additionally, the town’s Project Field Office, located at 20451 Old Cutler Rd., is open every second Tuesday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. when citizens are welcome to express their concerns or request information about the project,” Casals explained.